690 UTILIZATION OF THE FRUITS OF FOREST TREES. 



before. Ash, maple, and hornbeam seed may be similarly 

 treated during the first winter before being put into trenches 

 to hasten germination. 



Much birch and alder seed, however carefully treated, will 

 become mouldy ; it is generally better to sow these seeds as 

 soon as they ripen. 



6. Storing in Perforated Bins. 



Scots pine, spruce and larch seed separated from the cones 

 is best preserved in perforated bins ; the same plan is suitable 

 for any small seeds after they have been thoroughly aerated 

 by turning them over for several days. 



The bins used for coniferous seeds resemble ordinary flour- 

 bins, with well-fitting lids. In order to exclude mice they are 

 lined completely with tin or zinc, which is perforated as well 

 as its wooden casing. The seeds are placed in the bins with 

 their wings and other impurities, and are stirred periodically. 

 Spruce-seed is sometimes kept in the cones. 



7. Storing Seed under Water. 



Experiments often have been made of storing beech-nuts and 

 acorns in large baskets under water, but although they remain 

 sound, Cieslar says, that germination is retarded if spring- 

 water is used. 



SECTION VII. AVEEAGE QUALITY OF SEEDS. 



In spite of every care in harvesting, preparing and storing 

 seed, it is impossible to obtain seed, every grain of which will 

 germinate. Many bad seeds are harvested, many others lose 

 the power of germination during the subsequent treatment, so 

 that it is considered satisfactory, when the following per- 

 centages of good seed are obtained : 



Kobinia ...... 75 



Oak 69 



Black alder 38 



Beech 27 



Elms 26 



Birch 25 



